online

MURFREESBORO — After 40 years in the community, it is fair to call Parthenon Grille an iconic restaurant in Murfreesboro.

While the family-run business moved across the street from its original location on South Church Street three years ago, it has been in the current hands of Angelo and Kathy Laris for 22 years. It belonged to family members for the 18 years before that.

“We constantly change as a restaurant,” says Kathy Darsinos Laris. “If a customer says they don’t like it, we take that to heart.”

One reason for the success is the concept of family, something very familiar to a welcoming, enthusiastic Greek family. Every customer is family, not just a bill.

On the menu: Every menu item is something that Laris and her husband eat at home or love to cook.

“If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t put it on the menu,” Laris says. “This is my home. If you aren’t pleased when you come to our home, that upsets me.”

Serving fresh local eggs and vegetables, the restaurant focuses on creating flavorful and memorable meals. These include veal, steak, seafood, chicken, and pasta with Italian and Greek influences.

The shrimp and scallop linguine is one of Laris’ favorite menu items and is made with scallops and shrimp lightly breaded in Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs and tossed with roasted garlic aoili with mushrooms, fresh basil and linguine.

Another favorite is the lamb chops for sentimental reasons.

“My husband made me lamb chops for our second date,” Laris recalls. “These are the same as they were then.”

The menu does change from time to time, and some things are taken off or replaced. Even when an item is removed — such as the baked tilapia — customers can still request their favorite plates.

“If we have the ingredients, we will make it. We don’t want to discourage customers from enjoying their favorite dishes,” Laris says.

What’s the cost: There are three menus depending on the time of day you dine at Parthenon Grille. There is a brunch, lunch and dinner listing of entrees, appetizers and more. Prices depend on which menu and time of day the meal is ordered.

(Page 2 of 2)

Appetizers including the signature Parthenon Dip with spinach, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, feta cheese and cream and served with fried pita bread, are between $6 and $10.

Sandwiches, salads and soups are $6 to $14, including dinner prices. Steaks and seafood are available on all menus, and meals start at $8, with dinner options being about $14 or more.

Pasta dishes start at $6, and pizzas are around $10.

What to know: Parthenon Grille is a great place to be for the daily happy hour, which is from 3 to 7 p.m. everyday. There are two for one beers and mixed drinks, as well as $3 and $4 brews and $4 glasses of house wine. You can also indulge in $5 martinis.

Special events are often hosted by the restaurant, including wine tastings and holiday menus. Find the restaurant on Facebook to keep up with specials and discounts.

Private party rooms are available, as well as special menus for private parties. Call for details.